Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related:  I had a good writing week. I wrote a new chapter and revised the chapter prior to that. I also wrote an 8 page scene for the next book in the series that kept popping into my head. I didn't want to lose the scene so I put it down on paper and put it into that's story's folder along with all of my other notes for it.

Motivational Quote: "What's going to stop you? What's going to stand in your way? What's going to keep you from achieving your success?" ~ John Legend

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake yesterday afternoon. It's the third book in the Butterfly Bayou series. I'm really enjoying the series.

Random Things:  I'm using a calendar tracking system this year to help keep me on top of things that need to be done related to my writing. Although I've only been using it for two weeks, I think it's going to work really well. I've already taken care of a few of the things I wanted to have accomplished by the end of the month. 

Random Photo: 

          Mrs. Green loves to sleep in the laundry basket...especially when I need to use it.

Monday Check In

 My first Monday Check In for the new year:

Writing Related:  While I didn't get any new writing done, I did sit down and review the last few chapters and made notes as to what will happen next so I can get back in the flow of writing this week. 

Motivational Quote: "Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do?" ~ Morrie Schwartz.  I thought this was a great quote to start off the new year.

What I'm Reading: I started Can't Hurry Love by Melinda Curtis. It's the first book in the Sunshine Valley series. 

Random Things: We've had a pretty decent winter so far, but I'm already counting the days until spring. Every year I seem to dread the winter season more and more especially having to drive when the road conditions are hazardous. 

Random Photo:

                                Somebody is also impatiently waiting for spring.

New Beginnings - 2021

Happy 2021! Like most everyone, I am glad to say goodbye to 2020. I had my share of anxiety and worry from the pandemic that resulted in getting off track with my 2020 goals in a number of ways. 

I will be putting a few new practices in place starting today to keep me on track with my goals, both personal and professional. One will be to check in with a fellow author with our word/page counts at the end of each week to help keep both of us accountable. She writes 3 to 4 books a year so I think the weekly check in is more to help me than her. The second is using a giant wall calendar with enough space to write in deadlines, priorities, scheduling research time, etc. This is a process used by a friend who just published her 100th book so it obviously works for her. I've already set up the first 3 months and each time I walk into the room, my eyes go right to the color coordinated Post it notes on the wall. I'm a very visual person so being able to see deadlines and such every time I walk into this particular room will keep me on track or so I'm hoping. 

Here's to a much better 2021 in every possible way.

Monday Check In

No post this week. I will be back with a new post next Monday, 1/4. 

Instead I'm leaving you with a wish for a safe, happy, and healthy 2021.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I didn't do anything writing related last week. Even though we aren't having anyone come for Christmas, I am still doing holiday baking and wrapping gifts. I've decided to take the rest of the year off from writing and start fresh on Monday, January 4th.

Motivational Quote:  I saw this on Pinterest - "Don't be busy, be productive." I feel like right now all I am is busy and not seeming to get much crossed off my To Do list.

What I'm Reading: I started reading Disorderly Conduct by Rebecca Zanetti last night. I like her Deep Ops series so I thought I'd give this Ebook a try. 

Random Things: Christmas doesn't really seem very festive this year. While we are baking and bought gifts (thank goodness for online shopping) and wrapping them, we aren't having anyone come to celebrate the holiday. Covid-19 cases are increasing daily in our area and with an elderly mother living with me, we didn't want to take any unnecessary risks. Instead we've made arrangements with the people we normally buy gifts for to have me go to their homes the weekend after Christmas, ring the doorbell (while wearing a mask of course) and leave the gifts and their cookie platter on the porch. I'll wait by my car to make sure someone opens the door and takes the gifts inside before moving on to the next family. 

Random Photo:

Mrs. Green likes that there will be no presents under the Christmas tree this year. It's her new favorite place to take a nap or watch the comings and goings of her humans.

Monday Check In

Last week...

Writing Related: I didn't work on any writing this week. I used the time to finish making my holiday cards because I wanted to get them in the mail this weekend.

Motivational Quote:  "Throughout your life you will have to set your own priorities, make your own decisions. They won't always be the best or brightest ones, but that's how you learn." ~ Meredith Vieira

What I'm Reading:  I started reading Brighter Than The Sun by Maya Banks on Friday. This is the eleventh book in the KGI series.  

Random Things: This is the first year that I've done all of my holiday gift shopping online with the exception of 2 gift cards for local businesses. I really liked the convenience of it. I may continue to do the bulk of my holiday gift shopping online in the future.